"Music is a universal art form that transcends the walls of prison and the confines of geography or socio-economic status. It brings individuals together in community. The instruments have allowed us to continue our mission of transforming individuals and community through the arts. We are very grateful for the support of The Fender Music Foundation."

- Nicole K. Bible, Executive Director, ArtSpring, Inc., FL

"I will never take the things for granted in life that I once did. I have found a constructive and wholesome way to interact with my peers. The bond we share in music spans across our differences, teaching us respect and compassion for one another instead of anger and fear."

"It is difficult to put into words how much the guitars have impacted my students. Each new song I introduce makes them work harder. The responsibility level of my students has also increased dramatically."

"One of the students in my self-contained middle school autism classroom at Durham School of the Arts has attended Voices Together with the self-contained high school class this year. Not only has it been one of the highlights of his week, but he has shown a great deal of improvement in both expressive and receptive communication. He is initiating more speech and uses more words in a sentence. Though I cannot credit the program for all of his progress, I think has played an important role."

"There have been 8 children and 15 adults with special needs who have benefited from having guitars available for music instruction. Thank you so much for making this possible."

- Louise O'Connell, Music Enrichment Program, Paoli, IN

"The band program sometimes seems like the only thing that keeps me going."

- Student, North High School, Phoenix, AZ

"The drums gave us the ability this year to begin developing and implementing a drumming portion to our program. They also became very vital in developing a more kinesthetic portion to our techniques for the younger age groups, which we are now serving. The joy and expression that has come from this younger population while playing these drums cannot be expressed."

- Yasmine White, Director, Voices Together, Chapel Hill, NC

"My daughter is making the honor roll since being in the music program. Her assertiveness and self-esteem have blossomed."

- Parent, Success Through The Arts, Los Angeles, CA

"'The real benefit of the drum line, as I see it, is the completely new, 100% positive identity the drum line gives each participant. They have a skill — something they feel they are actually good at — that sets them apart from their distinction as 'formerly homeless youth'."

- Michael Stevens, Instructor, Dignity Housing, Philadelphia, PA

"I felt totally lost at school. It's like I didn't fit in. The band program is my group; it's our group."

- Mason, student, North High School, Phoenix, AZ

"We are thrilled to have been awarded the instruments you donated. They will make a major difference."

"Thanks to the generous support of donors such as The Foundation, VSA continues to build bridges by promoting the creative power in people with disabilities."

- Kathie Wagner, President, VSA arts of Wisconsin

"When I get angry music allows me to calm down and redirect my anger in a positive way."

- Student, 15, Achieving Recovery Through Creativity, St. Charles, MO

"These students once had a minimal chance of having a bright and productive future. The support that you provide is vital to helping these youths and others like them. We thank you for your generous support!"

- Charyn Harris, Founder, Project MuszEd, Los Angeles, CA

"A conservative estimate is that 6,000 children and adults will be able to participate in and perform music as a result of Foundation donors."

"So far, only one released PREF graduate has re-offended and has been returned to prison in the past 24 months. That percentage is unheard of in corrections. PREF programs work — including the music program — of course."

"Thank you for the guitars, I think that everyone should play. It is one of my passions, and I couldn't live without it."

- Student, 8th Grade, Sacred Heart School, Lynn, MA

"I want you to know that you have had such a positive impact on our music program. Many times students come to us with virtually no understanding of music basics, they often have never seen a flute or touched a piano. Your generosity has helped us enhance our program and offer a richer curriculum to our students."

"If you are ever in Berkeley, please stop by and see our guitar class in action. It will make your heart sing to know that you are a part of making it possible."

- Della Peretti, Developmental Teacher Education Program, UC Berkeley

"Thank you so much; the music teacher is overwhelmed! He is starting a small band after school and so far has two kids starting trumpet. You guys are WONDERFUL!"

- Janet McRoberts, Principal, Vineland Elementary, Pueblo, CO

"For children and adults with disabilities, the arts represent a world of resources and opportunities, providing an outlet for creative expression and unlimited possibilities for personal and academic success."

- Jody Kapp, Development Associate, VSA Arts of Wisconsin

"Contributions like yours assist us in providing much needed after school activity to hundreds of children in the most undeserved regions of our Los Angeles communities."

"There are a lot of family moments. My mom is like, ‘Oh, I'm so proud of my son; he plays viola.’ And she'll start hugging me, and the rest of my siblings are like, ‘Mom, please!’ I remember when my family all came over on Christmas, I played and a couple of them started crying. And the rest of them were really proud. It made me feel good."

- Student, Community MusicWorks, Providence, RI

"I'm just absolutely grateful for such a beautiful guitar to learn with and the blessing of music...I hope to pursue my passion further and remind myself I would have never had this opportunity without MRC, Ms. Dana, and these stunning guitars!"

- Student, Memphis Recovery Centers, Memphis, TN

"Guitars in the Classroom is immensely grateful to The Fender Music Foundation for the generous support it has provided to our programs around the country through the years, making it possible for classroom teachers and school staff to learn to play and lead music for learning with guitars in every grade level. Thank you for your dedication to mission and your relentless work on behalf of music programs of all kinds."

- Jessica Baron, Founder and Executive Director, Guitars in the Classroom, national

100% of Each
Dollar you Donate
Gets Instruments Into
Music Education
Programs.

Our Reach

Since 2005, we've reached over 187,000 people of all ages across the country, in cities and towns large and small.

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"So far, only one released PREF graduate has re-offended and has been returned to prison in the past 24 months. That percentage is unheard of in corrections. PREF programs work — including the music program — of course."

"Hands for Hope will give youth a sense of the future and empower them to succeed. Your generous donation will help provide the highest quality of enrichment to our kids."

- Lydia Floyd, Executive Director, Hands for Hope, Los Angeles, CA

"It is difficult to put into words how much the guitars have impacted my students. Each new song I introduce makes them work harder. The responsibility level of my students has also increased dramatically."